On the lookout for absolutely free GST billing application that’s truly useful—and compliant? This information points out what “free” typically involves, where by concealed prices creep in, And exactly how To judge freemium instruments with out risking penalties. It’s published for owners, accountants, and CAs who value accuracy, pace, and credible sources.
What does “no cost” really go over?
Most “absolutely free” or freemium plans Provide you with core invoicing with limitations (buyers/goods/monthly invoices). Sophisticated GST capabilities —e-invoicing( IRN QR),e-way expenses, GSTR-Prepared exports,multi-user controls, inspection trails — often sit just before paid categories. That’s forfeiture, as long as you know the bounds and the precise second to improve( e.g., once you crosse-invoice thresholds or start Recurrent products movement).
Non-negotiable compliance Fundamentals (even on totally free plans)
one.E-invoice readiness (IRN + signed QR)
If you're underneath the e-invoicing mandate, your software package have to develop schema-valid JSON, report back to the Bill Registration Portal (IRP), and print the signed QR/IRN to the invoice. (That’s how an Bill turns into “registered”.)
two.Dynamic QR on B2C (only for pretty substantial enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with aggregate turnover > ₹five hundred crore require a dynamic QR code. MSMEs commonly don’t want this—don’t buy characteristics you won’t use.
3.E-way Monthly bill help
Motion of goods frequently earlier mentioned ₹50,000 involves an e-way bill. A absolutely free Instrument should really at the least export correct facts for EWB generation, whether or not API integration is paid.
4.Cleanse GSTR exports
Your app need to produce GSTR-1/3B-All set Excel/JSON to avoid rework. This matters extra in 2025 as GSTR-3B is getting tightened/locked, pushing corrections by means of GSTR-one/1A as opposed to handbook edits.
five.Time-limit alerts for e-invoice reporting
From 1 April 2025, taxpayers with AATO ≥ ₹ten crore will have to report invoices to an IRP inside 30 times of issuance. Your program ought to warn you very well ahead of the window closes.
2025 modifications to program for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to car-populated liabilities are increasingly being limited; corrections flow by means of GSTR-1A. This rewards “1st-time-ideal” data in GSTR-1 and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
Three-year time-bar on returns: Filing past 3 several years from initial thanks day received’t be permitted to the portal, expanding the expense of issues and delays.
Feature checklist at no cost GST billing computer software
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates towards IRP specs; ability to print IRN/QR following registration.
E-way bill data export (Part-A/Part-B) with length/car or truck fields.
GSTR-one/3B table-ready exports aligned to current portal actions.
Invoicing & goods
HSN/SAC masters, position-of-offer logic, RCM flags, credit score/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that adhere to NIC/IRP schema expectations.
Details, protection & Management
Yr-wise doc vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and entire information export—steer clear of more info lock-ins.
Job-dependent accessibility; fundamental exercise logs; two-issue sign-in parity with governing administration devices.
Scalability
A clear enhance path for IRP/e-way API integration and multi-person workflows if you develop.
A ten-minute analysis movement (actionable)
one.Map your use instances: B2B or B2C? Products and services or products with motion? Regular Bill volume?
two.Produce three test invoices: B2B typical, B2C, as well as a credit history Be aware. Validate IRP JSON/export; ensure QR/IRN print format.
three.Export GSTR-one/3B: Open in Excel and Check out desk mapping using your CA.
four.Simulate an e-way bill: Guarantee exports have necessary fields and threshold logic.
five.Check guardrails: App reminders for thirty-working day IRP reporting and 3B locking implications; your procedure need to prioritize mistake-totally free GSTR-1.
No cost vs. freemium vs. open-source—what’s safest?
Absolutely free/freemium SaaS: fastest begin; confirm export high-quality and the cost of “unlocking” e-invoice/EWB APIs later.
Open-supply/self-hosted: utmost control, but you need to observe NIC e-Bill FAQs/spec variations and maintain schema parity—normally IRP rejections increase.
Protection & facts possession (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-demand from customers CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your data stays portable.
Document vault with FY folders—handy for banks, audits, and inspections.
Fundamental copyright and usage logs, mirroring the security posture on authorities portals.
Rapid FAQs
Can be a absolutely free application plenty of for e-invoicing?
Generally no—you’ll possible have to have a compensated connector for IRP API calls. But a superb free prepare must export totally compliant JSON and allow you to print IRN/QR after registration.
Do MSMEs have to have a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹500 crore need dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When can be an e-way Invoice necessary?
Generally for motion of products valued higher than ₹50,000, with condition-amount nuances and validity procedures.
What altered for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is being locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections transfer by way of GSTR-1A. Also, returns develop into time-barred just after 3 decades from owing day. Approach for accuracy upfront.
How about e-Bill reporting timelines?
From one April 2025, firms with AATO ≥ ₹ten crore need to report invoices to an IRP in thirty times of problem; set reminders to prevent invalid invoices.
Credible means for further looking through
NIC e-Bill portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC circular on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification 14/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Bill FAQs (regulations, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream protection & practitioner Examination.
30-working day e-invoice reporting limit (AATO ≥ ₹10 cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You may Totally start with a absolutely free GST billing app—just assure it exports compliant IRP/GSTR/EWB details and supports a clean improve path. 2025 principles reward 1st-time-ideal invoicing and well timed reporting, so choose computer software that retains you precise by layout and warns you in advance of deadlines hit.